The Historic Counties Trust

The Historic Counties Trust is a registered charity which aims to promote public awareness of the history, geography, natural history, architecture, traditions and culture of the 92 historic counties of the United Kingdom.

For centuries the historic counties of the United Kingdom have formed the familiar geographical background to our national life. Yet they are much more than a convenient geographical reference frame. They are fundamental to our notion of what our country is and of our own place within it. People's affinity for their county goes deep. Their idea of home is bound up with their native shire and all it stands for. The historic county provides a living link to past generations who trod the same ground and nurtured the same loyalties as today's Britons.

Moreover, the historic counties speak to us of the wonderful diversity of the UK, each possessing its own distinctive history, landscapes, traditions, dialects and building styles. A huge literature, going back centuries, focuses on each historic shire. Their long unbroken histories have made them the natural basis for cultural, social and sporting organisations. This common inheritance is something we should value and cherish.

A major focus of the Trust's work is on producing digital mapping data and physical maps of the historic counties. The Historic Counties Standard provides the standard definition of the names, areas and borders of the historic counties of the UK.

The Trust is currently working with several local authorities to erect historic county border signs. The Trust also continues to encourage the development and flying of historic county flags and the celebration of county days.