Towns of the United Kingdom

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a town is traditionally any settlement which has received a charter of incorporation, more commonly known as a town charter, approved by the monarch. In Scotland, the equivalent is known as a burgh, pronounced burra. There are two types of burgh: royal burghs and burghs of barony.

Related Topics:
England - Wales - Northern Ireland - Town - Town charter - Monarch - Scotland - Burgh - Royal burgh

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In more modern times it is considered that a town becomes a city (or a village becomes a town) as soon as it reaches a certain population. The Local Government Act 1972 allows civil parishes to declare themselves to be towns. However, the cultural importance placed on charters remains, and it is not an unusal event for towns across the UK to celebrate their charter in an annual Charter Day (normally a fair or medieval market). The population system of recognising towns has no official standing yet in the United Kingdom.

Related Topics:
City - Village - Population - Local Government Act 1972 - Civil parish - Fair - Medieval - Market

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The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are not part of the United Kingdom, but are included here for convenience.

Related Topics:
Channel Islands - Isle of Man - United Kingdom

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