Writing the opening blog post set me thinking that there is another matter that can’t pass unsaid. In 1974 they re-organised local government so that the border of Lancashire changed and it became a lot smaller. Manchester and Merseyside took a third each and other bits were transferred between Cumbria, Yorkshire and Cheshire. Even more annoying that Yorkshire retained its name in three areas and later got back the fourth.
Just to add a bit more confusion places like Blackpool became unitary authorities and now have signs saying ‘welcome to Lancashire’ as you leave. On that basis York isn’t in Yorkshire either although I doubt there is a sign saying ‘welcome to Yorkshire’ as you leave. I do admire that Yorkshire solidarity, they wouldn’t dream of calling themselves non-Yorkshire whereas Manchester and Liverpool have a strong identity of their own.
Someone probably understands the borders between: County, County Palatine, Duchy, Sheriff, Lord Lieutenant, unitary, metropolitan, non-metropolitan, borough.