Why Brits Refer to Regions as 'North' or 'South-West' and the Historical Divide in England
Introduction
When discussing regional divides in the United Kingdom, one of the most common questions revolves around the terms used to describe different parts of England. People often wonder why Brits refer to regions using terms like 'the North,' 'the South-West,' or 'the East,' a practice that sometimes sparks confusion, especially when it comes to speaking about Scotland and Wales.
Understanding the Regionals in England
When English people refer to 'the North,' 'the South,' 'the East,' or 'the West,' they are not speaking about the entire country of Great Britain, which includes Scotland and Wales. Instead, these terms describe specific regions within England. Scotland, while part of the United Kingdom, is a separate country with its own distinct cultural, political, and geographical characteristics, making it incorrect to refer to Scottish regions as part of 'the North' of England.
The Historical Context of the North-South Divide
The North-South divide in England is deeply rooted in history, reflecting the different cultural, linguistic, and ethnic groups that have inhabited the region over the centuries. To truly understand this divide, one must go back to the Anglo-Saxon period.
Origins of the North-South Divide
The old North-South divide is not a simple horizontal line but a diagonal region stretching from the mouth of the River Severn to the mouth of the River Humber. This area is a historical bastion of Brythonic influence, with the further north and west one goes, the more likely one is to encounter Brythonic culture and ethnicity. Conversely, areas further south and east in England reflect the Anglo-Saxon influence.
The Brythonic and Anglo-Saxon Heritage
The Brythonic land, known to the Cymry (the Welsh) as Prydain, was divided into parts when the Anglo-Saxons spread from the south-east. The North of Prydain became known as Yr Hen Ogledd or 'The Old North'; what we now consider Wales was part of North Wales; and Cornwall and Devon were part of West Wales.
It's important to note that by the time of the Norman Invasion, the Anglo-Saxons had not yet spread significantly to the North and West, leaving a clear cultural divide between Britons and Anglo-Saxons. This divide, marked by a diagonal line from the mouth of the Severn to the mouth of the Humber, is the origin of the North-South divide that persists in modern England.
Modern Implications of the North-South Divide
Today, the North-South divide is less about cultural or ethnic differences and more about economic disparities and personal identity. In the past, the term 'the North' referred to a specific set of dialects, traditions, and social norms that distinguished that area from the South. However, over the centuries, societal mixing has somewhat blurred these distinctions, but the historical divide remains a significant part of English identity.
Gene Pool Mixing and Today's England
It's only been in the last couple of centuries that people have started to move to different parts of the country from where their ancestors were born. The gene pool has also mixed more, leading to a greater sense of unity among English people. However, this does not negate the historical and cultural significance of the North-South divide.
Conclusion
The terms 'the North' and 'the South-West' in England are references to specific regions within England and not to the entirety of Great Britain. Understanding this historical context is crucial to appreciating the cultural and social dynamics that define regions in contemporary England. Whether discussing the economic disparities, dialects, or social norms, the North-South divide continues to be a defining characteristic of the country's cultural landscape.