Wikipedia:WikiProject UK geography/How to write about counties

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This page concerning the structure of Wikipedia articles about the counties of the United Kingdom was developed from extensive discussion and consensus at WikiProject UK geography. The order of sections is optional, although it is strongly recommended that articles conform to the basic structure outlined below. Where this may not be suitable, editors are advised to come to a consensus that works best for the county in question. References are required for every article. While this page just offers guidance, it does provide a basic framework for a UK county article, as well as useful tips to help in bringing an article up to good article or featured article status. Please ensure that all changes to this page are discussed on the talk page and reflect consensus.

At the WikiProject UK geography, we believe the counties of the United Kingdom are important subjects. In order to facilitate the development of these subdivisions of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland the following guidance has been put together.

In the United Kingdom, the meaning of "county" can be confusing. There are several types of official administrative area that are described as counties due to historical modifications of the borders, and because the extent of the "administrative county boundaries" are often not exactly the same as the ceremonial and ancient county boundaries by of the same name; the counties of England and Wales have undergone vast geographic transformation in the last few centuries; the counties of Scotland were officially abolished but their territory (in some cases) exist with a ceremonial role; likewise the counties of Northern Ireland have no administrative role, but are used for geographic demarcation and lieutenancy.

In respect of England, Scotland and Wales, a fundamental part of this guide is to reaffirm the long established position that we do not take the view that the historic/ancient/traditional counties still exist with the former boundaries. Unless (using consensus) a good reason is made not to, the article should describe any administrative and ceremonial changes differences within one article, including any difference in the statistics between them. In England and Wales, where the historic county boundaries are different to modern boundaries the article should discuss these differences, and not be split into new "Historic county of Exampleshire" articles.

Where counties have been abolished or no longer serve any municipal role (such as Middlesex or Ross-shire) these should have their own articles, but maintain that they no longer function as contemporary counties/subdivisions of territory.