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Historic Counties Institute marks Somerset Day 2026
Somerset Day on 11 May celebrates the geographic county’s identity, history and culture, separate from council and lieutenancy boundaries.
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Middlesex county day to be marked on 16 May
Middlesex County Day on 16 May celebrates the county’s enduring identity, heritage and flag, separate from later administrative arrangements.
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In what sense do the historic counties “still exist”?
The historic counties continue as enduring geographical and cultural divisions, separate from council areas and lieutenancy areas.
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Huntingdonshire Day Celebrated Across County
Huntingdonshire Day on 25 April celebrates the county’s identity, history and enduring geography, including its association with Oliver Cromwell and its county…
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Warwickshire Day is about County – Not Councils
Warwickshire Day celebrates the geographic county of Warwickshire, not the boundaries of any council area.
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Gov’t says Counties Matter: So Why Still Misuse Them?
HCI argues that official recognition of the historic counties sits uneasily with administrative names that can blur the distinction between county geography…
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OS challenged over incorrect counties dataset
The Historic Counties Institute has urged Ordnance Survey to correct its dataset, which mislabels administrative areas as historic counties, causing public confusion.
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Contact with Secretary of State on Council Reforms
Our letter called for accurate council naming and clear recognition of historic county identities during local-government reform.
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Geography
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Which county a place lies in, county boundaries, detached parts and boundary interpretation.
Foundations
Explainers & County Geography
County geography, terminology, legal distinctions and the history behind common county questions.
Public policy
Government & Policy
Local-government reform, council naming, lieutenancy reform, consultations and HCI policy interventions.
Evidence
Research, Evidence & Mapping
Census work, official sources, Ordnance Survey evidence, statistics and RealCounties mapping developments.
Identity
County Identity & Culture
County days, flags, boundary signs, heritage, celebrations, sport and cultural identity.
Institute
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Announcements, campaigns, corrections secured, Parliamentary engagement and organisational progress.
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