Official guidance
Government Guidance
In 2019, the Government published guidance on celebrating the historic counties of England.
The guidance links official recognition with practical public use through signs, flags, county days, mapping and accurate county language.
Official recognition in practice
Four parts of the guidance
The guidance matters because it links official recognition with practical ways in which historic county identity can be made visible in public life.
Official source
Celebrating the historic counties of England
The guidance recognises the continuing importance of the historic counties in public life and gives that recognition practical form.
Boundaries
Historic county boundary signs
The guidance highlights the ability of councils to mark historic county boundaries where the relevant planning and traffic-sign requirements are met.
Public recognition
Flags, county days and visible identity
County flags, county days and accurate public language are presented as legitimate ways to make county identity visible in present-day public life.
Scope
What the guidance does — and does not do
It recognises the historic counties, distinguishes them from later local-government changes and encourages practical recognition. It is guidance rather than legislation, applies specifically to England and does not compel councils or organisations to act.
Use the source
Read the guidance in full
The original Government publication is the best starting point for evidence work. It shows that official recognition of the historic counties can be expressed through practical, visible public use.