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Counties of England - traditions and features of the administrative division of the country. Beautiful photos of the largest county in England The largest English county by area

The territory of England is overflowing with many counties that have the most dense location. So when you get into the county of North Yorkshire - the largest in England - you feel an unimaginable spaciousness.

The area of ​​North Yorkshire is almost nine thousand square kilometers, where more than a million people live. The county is bordered by South, East and West Yorkshire, as well as Lancashire, Durham and Cumbria.

Impressive size is not the county's only difference. It stands out for its special rustic and philistine comfort. Most of the residential settlements are small villages, and the largest settlement is the city of York.

Since 1996, this city has become independent and acquired the status of a unitary unit. And the cities of Redcar, Middlesboro and Cleveland, which were part of another county, joined Yorkshire in 1974, and its territory expanded even more.

The predecessor of York was a city called Eboracum, which was founded in ancient times by the Romans. And when the Romans left this territory, the city was periodically conquered by either the Angles or the Vikings, while destroying the buildings. But still it remains a beautiful place.

The first settlements in Yorkshire appeared eight thousand years before our era, when the last ice age ended. Their main occupation was hunting and gathering. Relatively recently, archaeologists discovered in the county in the lake valley the remains of the most ancient dwelling, presumably built in 7000 BC. e. during the Mesolithic era. Later, the area was settled by Celtic tribes. Comparing Yorkshire with all the English counties, it can be concluded that its history is the longest.

England's largest county has a rich natural landscape due to its incredibly vast size. For example, there are the highest mountains in England. Another attraction are several waterfalls. One of which ranks first in size among all waterfalls located in England. Its name is Hadraw Force, and the water there falls from a height of 27 meters. If you look at the coast, you can see a myriad of resorts, where every year visitors not only relax, but also improve their health with cozy comfort.

Answering the question what kind of county it is, we can say that it is very beautiful and attractive for many tourists who come to see it every year. No one will remain indifferent to the cultural heritage of this beautiful place.

York Cathedral, for example, is richly decorated in the Gothic style. On holidays, it is illuminated with beautiful lights. According to legend, one of the kings of Northumbria was baptized in this place, who was later canonized. Here you can also look at the astronomical clock, which was installed back in the 20th century. But if you go inside, then a window made by stained glass technique in the Middle Ages immediately catches your eye. By the way, this is the largest sample.

Indulge yourself in pleasure and visit this place.

The area of ​​Great Britain is replete with various areas and, first of all, counties. It is their territory that has a rather dense location. Without exception, all the counties differ from each other in their picturesqueness and beauty of landscapes. There are magnificent landscapes and it seems that time has stopped to enjoy their unusualness longer. The best time to visit each of them is spring. After all, at this time everything blooms, the weather favors numerous walks not only during the day, but also in the evenings, when hundreds of small lights are lit. All tourists celebrate the unusual fairy tale and magic that fills the atmosphere of the counties.

However, the most magnificent of them and the largest county in England is North Yorkshire. On it we will stop.

When you are in the territory of North Yorkshire, there is a feeling of extraordinary spaciousness. There are many local attractions, as well as cozy streets, squares and squares where you can walk and see something new and interesting. For tourists, many excursions to the most popular places are organized here. So if you get to this place, then be sure to take sightseeing tickets to enjoy the local flavor.

Besides There are a lot of events that you can visit here. In general, no one will be bored here, even small children. Walking for them will be an exciting adventure.

Features of North Yorkshire - the largest county

As for the area of ​​the largest county in Great Britain, then it is about 9000 km². The population is more than a million people.

The county also has borders with places such as Yorkshire West, East and South, plus Dorem, Lancashire and Cambrai th. The size of this county is really inspiring when compared with others. North Yorkshire is distinguished by its rural flavor and way of life. Small but cozy villages are scattered throughout the territory. Each settlement has its own economy. It must be said that the largest village in the county is a place called York. This is where the majority of tourists go on excursions.

History of North Yorkshire in England

It is known that since 1995, the largest county in England has acquired the status of an independent and became a unitary unit. But places like Middlesborough, Redcar and Cleveland, which at one time were part of a different area, became part of North Yorkshire in 1975. Accordingly, after that, the territory of the county became much wider. Before the town of York there was a place called Ebarakum. It also has an interesting history. The fact is that Ebarakum was created by the Romans several centuries ago. And when they left this territory, the place gradually came under the power of the Angles, then the Vikings

For many centuries, in the process of numerous wars and battles, the future York turned into ruins, but then it was rebuilt again. And at this point in time, the city remains beautiful and magnificent.

Yorkshire was first settled around 8000 BC., at a time when the ice age was just ending. At that time, the local ancient population was engaged in hunting and gathering. And not so long ago, scientists studying this area found out that in North Yorkshire in the lake area, there are the remains of an ancient residential settlement, and it was created around 7000 BC at the height of the Mesolithic period. Then Yorkshire was settled by Celtic tribes. Thus, the history of North Yorkshire is considered the most interesting, surprising and longest, when compared with other counties in the UK.

Nature and attractions of the largest county

England, Great Britain - these concepts for the whole world are the embodiment of traditions. Strict adherence to established customs in private life and in the social order, even if it looks archaic and brings inconvenience, is a typically British trait.

The counties of England are the same specificity in the administrative division of the country, like the pound sterling in the monetary system or pints and gallons in measures of volume. Like this system of division itself, it has developed as a result of a long history and seems to adherents of traditions to be a guarantee of the inviolability and power of the English state.

History of the government of England

The division into separate regions, which have a single administrative, judicial, military and financial system, has developed on the basis of the habitats of individual tribal groups and is rooted back centuries. Many of today's county names in England are of ancient origin. Gradually, these areas took shape in the form of possessions belonging to one person - the count.

By the time the English early feudal state was formed - IX-X centuries - these areas were separate independent kingdoms (for example, Sussex and Essex), duchies (such as Yorkshire, Cornwall or Lancashire) or simply hereditary allotments (Berkshire). Later, having become part of a single Anglo-Saxon kingdom, the counties of England retained their borders, having received as a ruler not a hereditary ruler, but a lord governor appointed by the supreme monarch. The administrative, military and economic principle of division was supplemented by a representative one: elective quotas for the first legislative bodies were distributed on the basis of the division of the country into historical counties.

Shire, county

The origin of the English designation of administrative districts, which remained in the form of the suffix -shire in the traditional names - Lancashire, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, etc., is very ancient. It goes back to the Old German scira, which had a meaning close to the concepts of "care", "management", etc. The counties of England, which have the suffix -shire in their name, today occupy a little more than half of the territory of modern England, while such word formations have been preserved and are actively used in the former British colonies - Australia and the USA.

Back in the days of the formation of a single kingdom, a management system was formed that has retained external features to this day: at the head of the county of England is the Lord Lieutenant, at the head of the bodies exercising judicial power, as well as police and law enforcement functions, is the Sheriff. In the course of numerous reforms, territorial and functional divisions, several types of administrative units have been formed that have legal features, which are quite difficult to understand the first time.

Counties as an integral part of the regions

The upper level of the administrative-territorial units of England - regions introduced in 1994 at the suggestion of the government, which was led by a total of 9:

  • West Midland.
  • South East England.
  • South West England.
  • North West England.
  • North East England.
  • Yorkshire and the Humber.
  • East Midland.
  • East England.
  • Greater London.

In accordance with the legislative act of 1997, called the "Lieutenancy Act", the territory of England is divided into 48 counties, called ceremonial, that is, having at the head of the lords appointed by the queen - governors, sheriffs, etc. This type includes, for example, the largest county in England is North Yorkshire.

These structures also include two other types: metropolitan, created on the basis of large urbanized areas (largest cities), and non-metropolitan - comprising several districts or districts with their own self-government bodies. The latter type of counties also includes several entities that do not have smaller organizational divisions and were deprived of their governing bodies by a cabinet decree in 1986.

Ceremonial counties

These basic elements of the administrative structure of England are otherwise called viceroys, or lieutenant territories (Lieutenancy area), or - informally - geographical counties. An important and ancient element of their identification are the coats of arms and flags of the counties of England, created on the basis of the heraldic symbols of the Middle Ages.

These territories - both the largest county in England, North Yorkshire, and the smallest - London City - became the basis for dividing the country into 48 postal regions with their own indices, which facilitates the work of the Royal Postal Service.

county towns

Today in England there are 6 metropolitan counties - metropolitan district, created on the basis of the largest urban settlements:

  1. Greater Manchester, created around the metropolis of the same name.
  2. Merseyside - around Liverpool.
  3. South Yorkshire - South Yorkshire - centered on Sheffield.
  4. Tyne and Wear - around Newcastle.
  5. West Midlands - West Midlands including Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Coventry.
  6. West Yorkshire (West Yorkshire) centered on Leeds.

The counties of this type are an "invention" of the cabinet. They have several smaller administrative units - districts and districts with their own independent self-government bodies. Greater London is an entity with a special status, distinguished by a specific system of government.

Non-metropolitan counties

28 ceremonial counties, among which - all having the suffix -shire in the name, as well as East Sussex, Devon, Dorset, Cumbria, West Sussex, Kent, Norfolk, Suffolk, Somerset, Surrey, and Essex, have the status of non-metropolitan, that is, consisting from several districts, but having a single self-government body - a common district council (except for Berkshire).

These ancient names, which sound like music to the Anglophile, are the personification of this ancient and great country.

They evoke in memory photos of the counties of England, its various regions, where there is a place for both modern megacities, embodying the most modern achievements of civilization, and untouched patriarchal landscapes, symbolizing the careful attitude of the British to the unique nature of their country.

If you are dreaming of moving your whole family to the UK or your young family is planning to settle here after graduation, then you will probably be interested to know which regions are most suitable for family life. Such a list was recently provided by an online property search service.

The company conducted the study, taking into account criteria such as affordable property prices, good schools (percentage of students with high academic performance), the average life expectancy of residents and low crime rates.

We bring to your attention a list of counties that are in the lead in this list.

Cumbria ( Cambria

source: flickr/cc/llee_wu

The most suitable area for family living was named the ceremonial county of Cumbria. It is located in the north-west of England, the central city is Carlisle. Many have heard of Cumbria thanks to the Lake District, a popular national park. There are very picturesque hills, mountains and lakes. Even the county council's motto is: "I will lift my eyes to the hills."

Here, in cozy towns and settlements, children will receive a decent secondary education, residents in this area have a long working history, real estate prices here are considered affordable (the average cost of housing is 163,396 pounds, and rent is 557 pounds per month), and the crime rate is recognized as the lowest . About 500 thousand people live in the county. The most demanded specialists are sales, computer design and engineering. The average salary is 481 pounds per week.

On weekends, it will be a great pleasure to travel along picturesque roads with hedges made of mountain stones. The region is replete with historical and architectural monuments: Muncaster Castle, Holker Hall, Rydal Mount, Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Wordsworth's House, etc.

Derbyshire ( Derbyshire


source: flickr/cc/Dun.can

The county of Derbyshire is called the "backbone of the country", as it is an uninhabited mountainous area - the Peak District. There are also many beautiful historical castles and gardens, including Chatsworth, Kedleston Hall, Elvaston castle and many others. Interesting events are often organized here: fairs, furniture auctions, etc.

There are very different cities in Derbyshire: industrial Derby, which is recognized as one of the greenest in England, the elegant resort town of Buxton, the colorful Matlock (administrative center), Chesterfield, which received a market right in 1204, etc. The region has many modern and old educational institutions, among which Ockbrook School is a private school for girls and boys aged 2-18, founded in 1799.

The service sector and agriculture are developed on the territory of the county, but production is still one of the leading areas. Approximately 80% of the population is economically active, while 25% of workers are employed in heavy industry (Rolls-Royce, Bombardier, Toyota (GB) PLC). The average salary of residents is 490 pounds / week. The average property price is £158,000.

Tyne and Wear and wear)


source: flickr/cc/barnyz

The county of Tyne and Wear, located between the counties of Durham and Northumberland, is considered one of the smallest in England. But there are a lot of historical monuments and cultural attractions here: Tynemouth Castle, St. Paul's Monastery, Washington Old Hall, etc. In addition, the subway works flawlessly here, including 60 stations and covering four cities (Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland and South Shields ). By the way, the region is named after the local rivers Tyne and Wear.

The largest port city of Newcastle is known for its museum and castle, beautiful lighthouses and vibrant nightlife, while in the imposing town of Gateshead you will be surprised by unusual bridges, the statue of the "Angel of the North" and The Sage Gateshead complex. The population of the county is over 1.1 million, while 96% of the population are native British. The average weekly salary here is 451 pounds, and the average price of real estate - 147 thousand pounds. Small apartments can be purchased for approximately 65-80 thousand pounds.

Dorset


source: flickr/cc/Anguskirk

Dorset is famous for its Jurassic Coast (UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site). Here are the resort towns of Bournemouth, Weymouth, Poole, Lyme Regis. This is the land of cozy settlements, vibrant seascapes and rocky coastline. The average salary here is 480 pounds, but the average property value is very high - 248 thousand pounds. Therefore, not everyone has the opportunity to move to these picturesque lands.

Poole is home to the world's oldest pumping well, pumping oil since the early 1960s. Apart from truism, the main activity is agriculture. Major employers include BAE Systems, yacht manufacturer Sunseeker International, JPMorgan Chase financial company, Cobham industrial company, Bournemouth University. Three major ports (Poole, Weymouth and Portland) provide a flow of international trade and tourism. 230 fishing vessels are also involved. There are three motorways passing through Dorset (A303, A31, A35). There is Bournemouth International Airport. The region is connected to London by two railway lines.

Dorset Comprehensive Schools are three levels. There are 19 public and 8 private middle and high schools in the county. But not all schools in the county have a preparatory (before the university) class. There are few colleges, and two institutions of higher education - Bournemouth University, Bournemouth Institute of Arts.

Lincolnshire(lincolnshire)


source: flickr/cc/Chris Goldberg

The county has a well-developed agricultural sector: sugar beets, wheat, barley are grown here, and vegetables and flowers are grown in the south. Popular resort towns (Skegness and others) are located along the coast of Lincolnshire, Isaac Newton and Margaret Thatcher grew up in the city of Grantham, and the port city of Boston is known for historical buildings. Famous sights include Lincoln Cathedral, Burghley House Park and nature reserves, including the beloved Trust's Donna Nook, where you can see gray seals.

The average salary - 478 pounds (per week), and the average price of real estate - 153 thousand pounds. The transport system is less developed: there are mostly single-lane highways and one freeway (M180). You can get to the capital by rail with a transfer. There is an airport serving the entire county.

By the way, the Eleven-plus ("11-plus") exam system has been preserved here, thanks to which schoolchildren can get into a prestigious grammar school. There are a total of 111 high schools and over 350 elementary schools in the county. Graduates can continue their studies at colleges or at Lincoln University. Football, cricket and rugby are popular in Lincolnshire, and there is a Cadwell Park motor racing track near the town of Louth.

Cheshire

Author Natalia Kim asked a question in Other about cities and countries

the largest county in England and got the best answer

Answer from Andrey[guru]
North Yorkshire is the largest county in England by area. The county appeared after the historic county of Yorkshire broke up in 1974 into the non-metropolitan North, West, East and South Yorkshires, and part of the territories "dispersed" to other counties. The first settlers appeared in Yorkshire after the end of the last ice age, 8000 BC. e - they were gatherers and hunters, and the first evidence of human presence dates back to the Mesolithic era (in the valley of glacial Lake Pickering).
North Yorkshire is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county located in the Yorkshire and the Humber region in the north of England. The area is 8,654 square kilometers.

Answer from Oksana™[guru]
Yorkshire, or York (eng. Yorkshire) is a historical county in northern England, the largest territorial entity of its kind in the region. Area 15,712 sq. km.
The surface of the county is very varied: in the north-west are the highest mountains in England, in other places there are bare marshes, interspersed with the most fertile regions. All the rivers except the Teese and the Ribble belong to the basin of the Ouse and the Humbert. In the 20th century, the county ranked first in agriculture and cattle breeding. The western part of the county is rich in minerals and factories. Yorkshire is divided into North, West and East Readings (which in Saxon meant thirds).


Answer from Nik Plesskiy[expert]
I knew it, it is Yorkshire and the most famous


Answer from 3 answers[guru]

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