Various unknowns in England

On our recent trip to England, we saw several plants that we don't know the names of. Many thanks in advance for ID's.

1 - the plant in the middle is the one, and it has a flower stalk coming up, more to the front right -





2 - there were lots of flower stalks on this interesting plant which had strap-like leaves -




3 - I think this might be a type of gladiola as it seems rather familiar -




4 - this also looks familiar but can't remember the name of it to save my life! I do remember that it stinks when the flower dies off.

 

Hi Kedi.
1 look like Acanthus of some kind
2 is sisyrinchium striatum I think
3 yep seen it, its a hardy Glad of some kind
4 Dranunculus vulgaris.

 

Agree with Pete.
3. Looks like Gladiolus communis subsp byzantinus.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?um=1...sp+byzantinus.&btnG=Search&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=

 

1st one looks like Acanthus mollis.