Welcome
The Association of British Counties (ABC) is a society dedicated to promoting awareness of the continuing importance of the 92 historic (or traditional) counties of the United Kingdom.
The ABC believes that the historic counties are an important part of the culture, geography and heritage of The United Kingdom. The ABC contends that Britain needs a fixed popular geography, one divorced from the ever changing names and areas of local government but, instead, one rooted in history, public understanding and commonly held notions of community and identity. The ABC, therefore, seeks to fully re-establish the use of the historic counties as the standard popular geographical reference frame of Britain and to further encourage their use as a basis for social, sporting and cultural activities.
Featured Articles
Clearing the confusion between the counties and local government
ABC Chairman Peter Boyce argues that upcoming changes to local government in England continue the trend which will eventually clear-up the confusion in the public mind between local government and the historic counties – to the huge benefit of both. The purpose of ABC is … Continue reading
Hampshire Flag Registered
The Flag Institute has registered a county flag for Hampshire. The flag design is based on the banner of arms granted to Hampshire County Council in 1992. It is comprised of a bi-colour of yellow and red with a rose and crown – colours and … Continue reading
New Flags for Sutherland and East Lothian
Sutherland and East Lothian have become the latest counties in Scotland to have flags registered by the Flag Institute. Both flags were adopted following a public vote. The Sutherland flag was unveiled at a ceremony hosted by the Lord Lieutenant of Sutherland at Highland Council’s offices in … Continue reading