The
historic counties of England were established for administration by the
Normans, in most cases based on earlier
kingdoms and
shires established by the
Anglo-Saxons and others. They ceased to be used for administration with the creation of the
administrative counties in 1889. They are alternatively known as
ancient counties or
traditional counties. Where they are not included among the modern
counties of England they are also known as
former counties. Despite this name, several historic counties continue to be recognised as cultural regions and have their own
county days,
county flags and boundary signs, many of which were created or registered long after these counties were abandoned as units for administrative purposes.