West Country
A loosely defined region of South West England with a distinct dialect.
The West Country is an area in South West England whose boundaries are not precisely fixed. It most commonly includes Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, and Bristol, though some definitions also extend to parts or all of Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and Herefordshire. To the south lies the English Channel, while the Atlantic Ocean, Bristol Channel, and Severn Estuary form its northern edge; its eastern border is the least clear. The region is known for its own English dialect and accent, and it is also where the Cornish language is spoken.
Historically, the term was already in use by the late medieval period; during a rebellion in 1450, English chroniclers described an uprising in Wiltshire as being carried out by the commoners of the "weste contre", indicating that Wiltshire was then considered part of the region. In modern times, a 2019 survey found that over two-thirds of respondents placed Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, and Bristol in the West Country, while just over half included Dorset; less than a third included Wiltshire or Gloucestershire, and only a small fraction included Herefordshire or Worcestershire, the latter two being officially in the West Midlands. The region has specific economic and cultural markers: West Country Lamb and West Country Beef are protected geographical indications for animals born and reared in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, or Gloucestershire, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is a protected designation of origin limited to traditionally made cheddar from Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, or Somerset. The ITV West Country television franchise broadcasts local news across two sub-regions, one covering the far southwest and the other covering the remainder of Somerset and Dorset along with Bristol, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire. The term "West Country derby" is used for sports matches between cities such as Bristol and Bath or Gloucester and Bath. A former brewery in Cheltenham traded as West Country Ales, and its ceramic plaques remain on pub walls in several counties.
- Region
- South West England
- Core counties
- Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Bristol
- Disputed counties
- Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire
- Borders
- English Channel, Atlantic Ocean, Bristol Channel, Severn Estuary
- Languages
- English (West Country dialect), Cornish
- Protected foods
- West Country Lamb, West Country Beef, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar
Lore & Background
The West Country's extent has varied over time. Modern definitions vary. Other counties received less than 50% agreement, with 28% including Wiltshire, 27% including Gloucestershire, 12% including Herefordshire and 9% including Worcestershire, though those last two counties are officially part of the West Midlands region. The region has specific cultural and economic uses. West Country Carnivals are held in many towns in and around Somerset. West Country Lamb and West Country Beef are EU Protected Geographical Indications covering products from animals born and reared in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire or Gloucestershire. West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is a Protected Designation of Origin limited to cheddar cheese made in the traditional way in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset or Somerset.
Reader's Guide
The West Country is significant as a cultural and geographical region with a fluid identity, reflecting historical and contemporary perceptions. The region's distinct dialect and the presence of the Cornish language underscore its cultural uniqueness. The West Country also appears in media, such as ITV West Country's two broadcast regions, and in sports, where the term 'West Country derby' refers to matches between cities like Bristol and Bath or Gloucester and Bath. A former brewery in Cheltenham traded as West Country Ales, with its ceramic plaques still visible in pub walls across several counties. The region's legacy is preserved in protected food names, local traditions like carnivals, and its ongoing use in branding and identity, despite the lack of a single official definition.
Did You Know?
- West Country Lamb and West Country Beef are EU Protected Geographical Indications covering animals born and reared in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire or Gloucestershire.
- West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is a Protected Designation of Origin limited to cheddar cheese made in the traditional way in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset or Somerset.
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