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
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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
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
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
Lancashire Day – 27th November
#LancashireDay is celebrated on 27th November. On this day in 1295 the first elected representatives from Lancashire were called to Westminster by King Edward I to attend what later became known as “The Model Parliament”. We present our portrait of the county and a Map … Continue reading
Essex Day – 26th October
Essex Day is celebrated on October 26th, the feast day of St Cedd, bishop of the East Saxons and the county’s patron saint. Cedd founded many churches, among them the Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall at Bradwell-on-Sea, one of the oldest intact Christian churches in England. … Continue reading
Monmouthshire – geographical confusion taken to its illogical conclusion
The biggest challenge facing the identities of the historic counties is their continued confusion with local government areas. Whilst moves towards unitary local government in England provide an opportunity to clear up this longstanding confusion, a quick look at the local government map of Wales … Continue reading
Westmorland Day – 29th September
Westmorland Day is celebrated on 29th September. On this day in 1397, Ralph Neville was created the first Earl of Westmorland by Richard II. This date was chosen in a public vote at the Westmorland county show in 2013. Westmorland was one of the last … Continue reading
Monmouthshire Day – 25th September
Monmouthshire Day is celebrated on September 25th, the feast day of Saint Cadoc. We present our portrait of the county and a Map of Monmouthshire. Monmouthshire is a maritime county in south-east Wales. Monmouthshire was once the heart of the Kingdom of Gwent, then the … Continue reading