Counties of England

England has been divided into counties for hundreds of years. The divisions originated as administrative areas, but have been adopted for geographic purposes.

Historic/Traditional counties

The accepted system of the 39 traditional counties arose from the 12th to the 16th centuries, though many of the specific areas are much older. They became established as a geographic reference frame over time. There is some dispute as to whether an Act passed in 1844 to simplify the counties by reducing the many exclaves should be accepted or not.

Related Topics:
12th - 16th centuries - Reference frame - 1844 - Exclave

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