The phrase "ancient counties" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to historical regions or administrative divisions that existed in the past.
Example: "The ancient counties of England were often defined by their unique cultural and historical significance."
Alternatives: "historical counties" or "old counties".
In the 13th century the ancient county town (seat) of Roxburgh was a member of the Court of the Four Burghs.
Meanwhile, trade with the Low Countries, Germany, and Poland had flourished, and in the 17th century this produced new wealth among some of the ancient county families.
It's the only ancient county with three separate Ryder Cup venues in the classic heathland trio of Moortown (0113 268 6521; moortown-golf-club.co.uk), Ganton (01944 710329; gantongolfclub.com) and Lindrick (01909 475820; lindrickgolfclub.co.uk).
A follow-up pamphlet last month, which Mr Balls and Mr Healey did not sign but are understood to have influenced, suggested ways to strengthen regional government.Mr Balls and Mr Healey represent constituencies in Yorkshire, the only region based on an ancient county.
Once, when the irate Liverpool manager, Bob Paisley, threatened to take Ellis outside and "part your hair" (an ancient County Durham expression denoting a sound thrashing), Ellis reached into his top pocket, pulled out a comb and said: "There you are, Bob.
Only after he consulted historic maps and ancient county records showing a binge of 18th- and 19th-century dam building and only after they had found abandoned dams themselves, did she change her mind, exhibiting a hallmark of the scientist: the ability to recognize her own error.
According to the government the ancient county boundaries are still there meaning that Manchester is still in south Lancashire and stockport is still in North Cheshire.
Lancashire County Cricket Club began as Manchester Cricket Club and represents the (ancient) county of Lancashire.
(The tree marked the ancient county boundary between Sussex and Surrey).
Prior to 1809, Low Fell was part of Gateshead Fell; itself a constituent part of the ancient County of Durham.
