Our Campaign
For centuries, historic counties have defined our local identity, community, and heritage. Yet their names and boundaries are being lost because of confusion caused by modern bureaucracy. The Campaign for Historic Counties exists to restore recognition of the traditional counties of the United Kingdom – and to celebrate the local pride they represent.
Latest News
-
‘Cambridgeshire’ changes must respect all counties
The Campaign for Historic Counties urges recognition of historic county identities in response to the consultation on unitary councils in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
-
‘Oxfordshire’ shake-up: Don’t mis-name counties!
The Campaign for Historic Counties urges Government to adopt accurate naming for new councils, emphasizing importance of recognizing true county boundaries.
-
Britain’s Counties: The Facts
The United Kingdom has 92 historic counties, vital for identity and culture, which were misunderstood but remain relevant despite modern administrative changes.
-
Lancashire Day Celebrated Across Historic County
Lancashire Day on 27 November celebrates the county’s rich heritage and identity, emphasizing true boundaries and uniting people through events and county flag.
Our Counties
Oxfordshire
Discover
County of Oxford
County Day 19 October
✨ Ford of oxen: 1st record 912
👑 County by early 10th C
🏰 Oxford University from 12C
🖋️ Domesday: Oxenefordscire
A shire of scholars, rivers and rolling countryside. 📚🌊
Peeblesshire
Discover
Siorrachd nam Pùballan
Tweeddale
✨ Upper Tweeddale
👑 Shire from 12th century
🏰 Named from Peebles town
🖋️ ‘Tweeddale’ in charters
A Borders shire of valleys, wool and rivers. 🐑🌊
Pembrokeshire
Discover
Sir Benfro
County Day 1 June
✨ Welsh, Irish, Norse
👑 Lordship then county 13C
🏰 Haverfordwest
🖋️’Penbrokeshire’ in records
A coastal county of castles, saints and seafarers. ⚓⛪
Why Counties Still Matter
In the words of Gustav Mahler: “Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire”. Our counties are not relics of the past – they are part of who we are. They connect us to our landscapes, our families, and our shared story as a nation. Let’s protect and celebrate them before they fade from memory.
Get Involved
Support Our Campaign
No outside funding supports our work – only supporters like you keep our maps, research, videos, and advice to MPs alive. Every donation helps preserve the counties you love for future generations.
Campaign for Historic Counties 