Shires emerged as the kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon England (e.g., Wessex, Mercia, Northumbria) became more administratively organized.
The Local Government Act 1888 created elected county councils for most shires, but also carved out county boroughs (cities independent of shire councils, e.g., Birmingham, Liverpool). the shires of england
By the 10th century, as the West Saxon kings unified England, they extended this "shiring" system across the land. While some shires like and Sussex retained the boundaries of ancient kingdoms, others were newly formed administrative zones. Each was overseen by a shire-reeve (the origin of the modern "sheriff"), a royal officer responsible for law, justice, and the king's interests. A Patchwork of Identities Shires emerged as the kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon England (e
There are (often called the ancient or traditional counties ), many of which are shires. Below is a list of the core shires, grouped by region: While some shires like and Sussex retained the