The first day of May is not only May Day but is also Staffordshire Day – the anniversary of the founding of Josiah Wedgewood and Sons. We present our portrait of the county and our Map of Staffordshire. Staffordshire is an inland county in the … Continue reading
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Cumbria County Council 1974-2023 R.I.P.
The axing of Cumbria County Council has passed its last legal hurdle. The Cumbria (Structural Changes) Order 2022 received Royal Assent on 18th March 2022. On 1st April 2023 Cumbria County Council and the district councils in its area will be abolished and replaced by … Continue reading
A portrait of Brecknockshire
In celebration of St David’s Day we present our portrait of Brecknockshire and a Map of Brecknockshire. Brecknockshire (Sir Frycheiniog), also known as Breconshire, is an inland county in Mid-Wales. The county is predominantly rural and mountainous. The county’s most important industries are agriculture, forestry … Continue reading
Shropshire Day – Weds 23rd Feb 2022
The first county day of 2022 is Shropshire Day on Wednesday 23rd February, the feast day of St Milburga. Shropshire has been described as possessing every variety of natural charm: the bold and lofty mountain, the woody and secluded valley, the fertile and widely-cultured plain, … Continue reading
Support Historic Somerset – Give an appropriate name for Somerset’s newest council
A new online petition Support Historic Somerset – give an appropriate name for Somerset’s newest council is calling for the new unitary council replacing Somerset County Council to be given a name which does not undermine the identity of Somerset itself. From April 2023, the … Continue reading
A tale of three Somersets
Among the many outrages of the Local Government Act 1972 was the naming of “Somerset County Council”. Whilst this local authority does cover a large part of the historic county of Somerset, it does not cover the highly populated north of the county. Nonetheless, for … Continue reading
Boost for the historic counties – ‘Cumbria’ is axed!
Moves towards unitary local government in England provide the perfect opportunity to clear up the longstanding confusion between the historic counties and local government, to the advantage of both. Is this opportunity going to be grasped? The latest news about local government changes in the … Continue reading
ABC on social media
A reminder to our supporters that you can also follow ABC on social media at: Twitter: @britishcounties Facebook: @abcounties There are very many social media channels promoting or celebrating an history county or some aspect of an historic county’s history or culture. Some of our … Continue reading
Caernarfonshire Day – Sun 28th Nov 2021
Caernarfonshire Day is celebrated on 28th November, the date of death of Owain ap Gruffudd (1100 – 1170). In celebration we present a Map of Caernarfonshire and our portrait of the county. Caernarfonshire (Sir Gaernarfon) is a maritime county in north Wales. A large proportion … Continue reading
Bedfordshire Day – Sun 28th Nov 2021
#BedfordshireDay is celebrated on 28th November, the birthday of John Bunyan (b. Elstow 1628). In celebration we present a Map of Bedfordshire and our portrait of the county. Check out the Friends of Bedfordshire Society (also on Twitter and Facebook) for more information about Bedfordshire … Continue reading