County Durham

[REWD]

why is thr word county used to preceed Durham when referring to this county , as distinct from all others in England

[heathfield]

To distinguish the context between the county and the city.

To say that 'small farms are found everywhere in Durham' might surprise some people. 'Small farms are found everywhere in County Durham' would be more re-assuring!

[REWD]

Thank you, it is logical, but why is "County" used in N>Ireland also

[heathfield]

Er, for exactly the same reason? Each of the counties of Northern Ireland was named after the principal town, just like County Durham.

[dot.hawkes]

Lancashire used to be Lancaster County too.

[REWD]

we were Americanised earlier than I realised it seems.

[heathfield]

Nope, the word 'county' was in use here for centuries before anyone from England decided to settle in America.

The Anglo-saxon word was 'shire'. After the Norman French took over in the 12th century, the word 'county' became applied to the shires, since each was ruled over by a Count.
Both words are still in use today, as in 'the County of Hampshire'.

[REWD]

In my case, a little learning is a welcome thing, thank you

[Bellringer]

To give it it's full title "The County Palatine of Durham"

[Stu in USA]

But then why isn't it Durhamshire, like other counties that are named after their principal town/city?

[REWD]

Another extension to the answerfrom the USA no less. Thank you

[Bellringer]

It is a Palatinate. It was ruled over by the Prince Bishop. The Bishop of Durham. Set up as a bulwark against the marauding Scots.
It was such a wild country that William the Conquerer (or William the ******* as he was known) did not include it in the Domesday Book. He just left it all to the Bishop who is 3rd in seniority in the Church of England.
The Shires were a much more peaceful and law abiding.

[Bellringer]

Sorry I got zapped by the bots. "William the bast&rd"
He was known by this name in France.

[Stu in USA]

Good answer from Bellringer, except that CheSHIRE and LancaSHIRE were both Palatines, so I'm still a little confused.

[REWD]

You and me both !!!

[Bellringer]

A Palatinate was ruled over by (usually) a Bishop. They were on the Marches or borders. ie Durham & Lancaster bordered Scotland & Cheshire bordered Wales. The Idea being that the Bishops would keep out the marauders and save the King the bother.
I reckon Durham just hung onto the title as we are a bit old fashioned here.
For about 11 years the River Tees was the border between England & Scotland. Can't remember the dates off hand.