THE ENGLISH COUNTIES

THE ENGLISH CHARACTER is defined by county as much as by anything. A Yorkshireman is instantly recognisable from a Cornishman, a Geordie from a Man of Kent, by accent, by outlook, by appearance.

Hence, I Never Knew That About the English is divided into the 39 historic English counties and the Vale of the White Horse – counties that come down to us from the dawn of England, that have moulded their inhabitants, conferred distinctive characteristics and blessings upon them, presented them with different challenges and loyalties.

The story of the English people is intertwined with the English counties, and the bureaucrats have sought in vain to separate them. I would not dare to try – nor would I wish to.