The pendant fittings with a ceiling rose that David mentioned are indeed very common here. The ceiling rose part in most modern installations also acts as a loop-in point for the light switch.
This sometimes makes for some "interesting" wiring when somebody decides to replace the pendant with another type of fixture.
The bayonet-cap plug was once quite common in England too. Look at many old books, movies, etc. amd you'll see all manner of applainces plugged into a lamp holder. The electric iron was probably the most common.
