Bristol - which county?

[ali_alic]

Which county is Bristol in - I have been told Avon, Somerset and Gloucestershire.  If all are valid options which is the one that is used most?

[SteveD]

It seems to be a "Ceremonial County":

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bristol

[Octavius]

Yes, it used to be Gloucs, then Bristol, Avon, but now it's just Bristol (like London is just London).

[pamnez]

Bristol IS in Avon.

[Octavius]

In 1373 Edward III decreed the City and County of Bristol "was a County by itself and separated (from the) Counties of Gloucester and Somerset and in all things exempt ... (to be) called the County of Bristol for ever".

Avon County was formed in 1974 which included Bristol, South Gloucester and North Somerset.

Avon County was disbanded in 1992.

In 1996 Bristol was made a separate ceremonial County.

[ali_alic]

Thanks chaps - all of you.  It has confirmed to me what I thought.  That it is county-less but some people still insist on it having a county.  I work for a data company and we get this confusion all the time, just kike West Midlands, Wirral, Merseyside etc  It usually boils down to personal preference.  Thanks again guys - I will go with Octavius.....