Traditional counties of England

The traditional counties of England are historic subdivisions of the country into around 40 regions. They are also known as the historic counties, or legally as the ancient or geographic counties.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The traditional counties were used for administrative purposes for hundreds of years, and over time became established as a geographic reference frame. The establishment of the usually accepted set of counties began in the 12th century (though many assumed their modern form long before then), although it did not become finalised until the 16th century.

Related Topics:
Geographic - Reference frame - 12th century - 16th century

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After local government reform in the late 19th century, the traditional counties are no longer in general use for official geographic purposes (in favour of ceremonial counties or administrative counties), but the system in use is partially based on them, and the postal counties often followed them. County cricket continues to use historical counties. (See Counties of England for an overview of how the different types of county compare.)

Related Topics:
19th century - Ceremonial counties - Administrative counties - Postal counties - County cricket - Counties of England

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Various groups exist to promote their continued use, and people engaged in genealogy, family history, and local history tend to follow the names used at the time being researched.

Related Topics:
Genealogy - Family history - Local history

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~