Where is Yorkshire: North or South?
Yorkshire is a historic county in Northern England, but its exact location often leads to confusion. This article aims to clarify whether Yorkshire is in the North or South of England, providing a comprehensive answer to this question that has puzzled many for centuries.
Simple Answer: Yorkshire is in the North of England
When asked about the exact location of Yorkshire, a straightforward and accurate answer is that it is located in the northern part of England. This answer, although simple, puts an end to the misunderstandings and clarifies the geographical position of Yorkshire.
Understanding the Geographical Divisions of England
Understanding the broader context of England's geography can help in comprehending the position of Yorkshire. The North of England is, as the name suggests, located in the northern part of the country, and the Midlands are positioned in the central region.
The North-South Divide in England
The North of England includes Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cumbria, among other counties. To the south of Yorkshire, you will find the Midlands, which encompass counties like Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Derbyshire. These regions stretch to the southern parts of England, which includes counties such as Wiltshire, Somerset, and Dorset.
Confusion and Perceptions of Yorkshire's Location
Many people in the southern part of England, particularly Londoners, often perceive any location north of London as being "the Back of Beyond," a somewhat colloquial term indicating a remote or distant location. This perception can sometimes blur the true geographical position of Yorkshire.
The Geographical Identity of Yorkshire
While Yorkshire's identity is often perceived as the quintessential northern county, its position relative to the Tropic of Cancer and other natural geographical markers provides a more precise answer. For instance, Yorkshire is north of all these markers, including the bath-trap isogloss, the Severn-Trent axis, Watford Gap, and Watford itself.
Cultural Identity and Geographical Distinctions
Moreover, Yorkshire has a distinct cultural identity that sets it apart from the Midlands and the South of England. It is keen to establish its own private identity, which is often considered more important than being lumped into a vague idea of northernness. This identity is shared with other regions like Lancashire, Cumbria, and Durham, and is best understood from an external perspective.
Geographical Divides and York as a Marker
A helpful geographical marker to determine Yorkshire's location is the line between the sees of Canterbury and York. This line runs just south of Sheffield, indicating that the entire Yorkshire region lies in the northern part of England.
Yorkshire's Position in Relation to Other Areas
Yorkshire borders the Midlands and is not the most northern area of England; however, it is still firmly in the northern half of the country. If you are located in London, then Yorkshire is north. But if you are in Edinburgh, for example, it is still considered to be in the north, albeit a different northern area.
Summary
While Yorkshire is often perceived as a northern county, its precise location within England can be described by understanding the broader geographical divisions of the country. It is north of the Tropic of Cancer, the Severn-Trent axis, and Watford Gap, among others. Its cultural identity is distinct and important, but its geographical location is clearly in the northern part of England. Whether one perceives it as north or south would depend on their starting point and perspective.