1.1   The Historic Counties

The historic counties of the United Kingdom are ancient geographical divisions, many of which date back over a thousand years to the Anglo-Saxon period and even earlier traditional territories. Their names and boundaries became firmly established over centuries and were widely recognised long before modern administration existed. For generations, these counties formed the natural framework for identity, culture, and administration. They were used in everything from local governance and militia organisation to mapping, census records, and the recording of history. By the early 19th century, their borders were considered stable and universally understood. 

1.2   What Changed?

The major shift came with the introduction of modern local government legislation, beginning with the Local Government Act of 1888. This created new “administrative counties” for practical governance purposes, followed by further reforms throughout the 20th century. Over time, these administrative areas evolved, merged, and in many cases bore little resemblance to the original counties. Mapping practices also changed, and the historic counties gradually disappeared from official maps and everyday use. However, crucially, these reforms did not abolish the historic counties themselves—they simply created a separate system for administration. The historic counties remain unchanged as cultural and geographical entities.

1.3   Why We Use Historic Counties

The Historic Counties Standard reaffirms that these counties still exist as a stable, unchanging geography, distinct from modern administrative boundaries. They continue to provide a meaningful framework for:

* Heritage and local identity

* Historical research and records

* Cultural and community events (like ours!)

* Tourism and education

Their enduring importance lies in continuity—linking present-day communities with their past.

1.4   Yorkshire and Its Ridings

This year, we are making one refinement to better reflect historic practice: Yorkshire will be recognised by its three ridings—East, West, and North—rather than as a single county.  Historically, Yorkshire has always been divided into these ridings, each functioning as a distinct administrative and cultural area. The Standard itself recognises that, while not separate counties, the ridings can reasonably be treated as equivalent units for practical purposes. With the city of York being placed into the catchment of the North Riding.

1.5   The Channel Islands & Isle of Man

In addition to the historic counties the Yorkshire Ridings, again this year’s event will also include the Channel Islands to reflect their Crown Dependency, which are not part of the Historic Counties framework. The islands form Crown Dependencies—principally the Bailiwick of Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guernsey—and have never been incorporated into the county system of the United Kingdom. Instead, their origins lie in the Duchy of Normandy, and they retain their own legal systems, administrations, and distinct identities. As such, within our event they are recognised separately from the historic counties, reflecting their unique constitutional status while still celebrating their rich heritage and strong cultural ties to the British Isles. The Isle of Man sits in a similar position to the Channel Islands in that it is a, not part of the United Kingdom and not included within the historic counties’ framework. Historically, the island has its own identity and system of divisions known as sheadings, rather than counties. It has never been incorporated into the English or British county system, and instead developed separately with its own parliament, laws, and administrative structure. For the purposes of your event, it can be treated in the same way as the Channel Islands—a separate territory outside the historic counties.

1.6   Keeping History Alive

By using the historic counties, we celebrate a geography that has remained consistent for centuries—far longer than any modern administrative system. Our event is not just about locations on a map, but about preserving and recognising the deep-rooted identities that define the United Kingdom’s rich heritage. 

1.7   Event Coverage This Year

This year’s event will span 96 territories across the British Isles. This total is made up of 91 historic counties, with Yorkshire represented by its three traditional ridings—East, West and North—rather than as a single county, alongside the inclusion of the Channel Islands. As Crown Dependencies, the Channel Islands are not part of the historic county framework, but are recognised separately within the event to reflect their unique constitutional status and heritage along with the Isle of Man.