Discover the complete list of counties in England and their capitals. Learn about the history, geography, and administrative divisions of England. Perfect for travelers, students, and geography enthusiasts!
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List of Counties in England and Their County Towns (Capitals)
England is divided into 48 ceremonial counties, each with a county town or city that serves as the administrative center. Here’s a detailed list:
List of Counties in England and Their Capitals
1. Greater London
- County Town: London (also the capital of England and the UK)
2. South East England
| County | County Town (Capital) |
|---|---|
| Berkshire | Reading |
| Buckinghamshire | Aylesbury |
| East Sussex | Lewes |
| Hampshire | Winchester |
| Isle of Wight | Newport |
| Kent | Maidstone |
| Oxfordshire | Oxford |
| Surrey | Guildford |
| West Sussex | Chichester |
3. South West England
| County | County Town (Capital) |
|---|---|
| Bristol | Bristol (Unitary authority) |
| Cornwall | Truro |
| Devon | Exeter |
| Dorset | Dorchester |
| Gloucestershire | Gloucester |
| Somerset | Taunton |
| Wiltshire | Trowbridge |
4. East of England
| County | County Town (Capital) |
|---|---|
| Bedfordshire | Bedford |
| Cambridgeshire | Cambridge |
| Essex | Chelmsford |
| Hertfordshire | Hertford |
| Norfolk | Norwich |
| Suffolk | Ipswich |
5. West Midlands
| County | County Town (Capital) |
|---|---|
| Herefordshire | Hereford |
| Shropshire | Shrewsbury |
| Staffordshire | Stafford |
| Warwickshire | Warwick |
| Worcestershire | Worcester |
6. East Midlands
| County | County Town (Capital) |
|---|---|
| Derbyshire | Matlock |
| Leicestershire | Leicester |
| Lincolnshire | Lincoln |
| Northamptonshire | Northampton |
| Nottinghamshire | Nottingham |
7. North West England
| County | County Town (Capital) |
|---|---|
| Cheshire | Chester |
| Cumbria | Carlisle |
| Greater Manchester | Manchester |
| Lancashire | Preston |
| Merseyside | Liverpool |
8. North East England
| County | County Town (Capital) |
|---|---|
| County Durham | Durham |
| Northumberland | Morpeth |
| Tyne and Wear | Newcastle upon Tyne |
9. Yorkshire and the Humber
| County | County Town (Capital) |
|---|---|
| East Riding of Yorkshire | Beverley |
| North Yorkshire | Northallerton |
| South Yorkshire | Barnsley |
| West Yorkshire | Wakefield |
10. South East and South West (Islands and Special Areas)
| County | County Town (Capital) |
|---|---|
| Isle of Wight | Newport |
| Isles of Scilly | Hugh Town |
Key Facts About Counties in England
- Greater London is a unique region that serves as both a county and the capital of England.
- Metropolitan Counties like Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and West Midlands are highly urbanized and do not have a single county town but are made up of several boroughs.
- Unitary Authorities – Some cities (e.g., Bristol) are unitary authorities, meaning they function independently of traditional county councils.
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FAQs on Counties in England
1. How many counties are there in England?
- There are 48 ceremonial counties in England.
2. What is the difference between ceremonial and administrative counties?
- Ceremonial counties are traditional regions with historical significance, often used for cultural and geographic purposes.
- Administrative counties are used for local government and administrative purposes.
3. Is London a county?
- Greater London is considered a ceremonial county and is also classified as a region and metropolitan area.
4. Which is the largest county by area?
- North Yorkshire is the largest ceremonial county by area in England.
5. Which is the smallest county?
- The City of London is the smallest ceremonial county, but if excluding it, Rutland is the smallest traditional county.
6. What is the most populous county in England?
- Greater London is the most populous county, followed by West Midlands and Greater Manchester.
7. Why are some counties called “Shire” counties?
- Counties like Derbyshire, Yorkshire, and Lancashire are traditionally known as “Shire” counties, originating from Old English, meaning “district” or “division.”
Conclusion on the List of Counties in England
England’s counties are rich in history, culture, and geographic diversity. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant city life of Manchester and Liverpool or the scenic countryside of Yorkshire and Devon, each county offers something unique. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of all the counties in England along with their capitals, helping travelers, students, and geography enthusiasts better understand the administrative landscape of England.
Planning a trip to England or curious about its cultural heritage? Share this article and inspire others to explore the beautiful counties of England!