INTRODUCTION: Fractures are a considerable public health burden in the United Kingdom but information on their epidemiology is limited. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to estimate the true annual incidence and lifetime prevalence of fractures in England, within both the general population and specific groups, using a self-report methodology. METHODS: A self-report survey of a nationally representative general population sample of 45,293 individuals in England, plus a special boost sample of 10,111 drawn from the ethnic minority population. RESULTS: The calculated fracture incidence is 3.6 fractures per 100 people per year. Lifetime fracture prevalence exceeds 50% in middle-aged men, and 40% in women over the age of 75 years. Fractures occur with reduced frequency in the non-white population: this effect is seen across most black and minority ethnic groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that fractures in England may be more common than previously estimated, with an overall annual fracture incidence of 3.6%. Age-standardised lifetime fracture prevalence is estimated to be 38.2%. Fractures are more commonplace in the white population.