West Country

For the local ITV broadcaster, see the Westcountry Television.

The West Country is an informal term for the area of southwestern England, roughly corresponding to the administrative region South West England. This is generally understood as Devon & Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset. The area is mostly rural, with a few notable cities. Tourism and agriculture, especially dairy farming plays a significant role in the economy. The landscape is principally granite moorland in the west, chalk and limestone downland and clay vales in the east. Historically, tin mining and the fishery were sources of income and employment, but not so much today, although the latter still contributes to the economy. The region is most famous for it's produce of cider, clotted cream and pasties.

As with any informal area, its boundaries are difficult to define. For example, the further West the less Easterly one would consider part of the region. Cornwall especially has a distinct view on the exclusivity of what defines a West Country county. It is often difficult to define a county as being "West Country" when it is a popular destination for commuters, but it is important to look at the lifestyle, accents and dialects of the true residents before making an informed decision.

It was one of the last parts of England to fall to Anglo-Saxon rule and this has led to a lingering spirit of independence. To this day, a small but vocal minority in Cornwall do not consider themselves either English or British (see Constitutional status of Cornwall, Cornish self-government movement, and Cornish people).

West Country

See also

Counties (and unitary authorities)

Notable Towns and Cities

Places of interest

See also