Geographically Defining Northern England

The phrase 'Northern England' is a cultural and societal term rather than a strictly defined geographical one. Its boundaries are fluid and depend on the perspective of those using the term. This article aims to explore the geographical and cultural implications of what defines Northern England, backed by a hand-crafted map that can help navigate the nuances.

South of the Border

The term 'South of the Border' generally refers to areas south of the Welsh-English border in England. This region encompasses a wide variety of landscapes, cultural identities, and urban settings. Geographically, it includes the counties of Cheshire, Staffordshire, and the West Midlands.

Above the Southern Bit of England and Below the Southern Bit of Scotland

This carefully hand-crafted map, though simplified, provides a starting point for understanding the often fluid nature of Northern England. The map delineates the region above the ‘southern bit’ of England and below the ‘southern bit’ of Scotland. It’s particularly useful for a visual reference.

Key Regions of Northern England

The map illustrates several key regions including:

Northumberland County Durham Yorkshire (including the historic counties of West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, and East Yorkshire) Westmorland (now part of Cumbria) Cumberland (now part of Cumbria) Lancashire

No Legal or Geographic Border

Due to its fluid nature, the term 'Northern England' has no legal or strictly defined geographic border. Its boundaries are more cultural and social in nature. For instance:

From a London perspective: Anything north of the Watford Gap to the Scottish border. From a Midlands perspective: Areas north of the Mersey/Humber line. From a Tyneside perspective: Beyond the Bowes/Brough road.

One anecdote from the author’s experience serves as a humorous example: a colleague from 'up north' always felt better after crossing the river Trent, as he felt he had entered his northern home territory.

Cultural and Social Implications

The cultural and social implications of defining Northern England are multifaceted. These areas share a common heritage, accents, and traditions. However, within Northern England, there is also a diverse array of regional identities, each with its own unique characteristics and feelings of belonging.

For a more comprehensive understanding, consider viewing the map provided. While there is no definitive border, understanding the key regions can help in grasping the essence of Northern England's cultural landscape.