Understanding Shires in England and Wales: History, Responsibilities, and Structure

Shires are administrative divisions of a county in England and Wales, dating back to the Middle Ages. They were originally created as subdivisions of the county for taxation purposes, but over time they developed into units of local government with their own elected councils and powers.

Shires are also known as "shire districts" or simply "shires." They are responsible for providing a range of local services such as education, social care, highways maintenance, and waste collection. Some shires also have additional responsibilities such as running libraries, leisure centers, and cultural events.

There are currently 84 shire districts in England and Wales, each with its own council and leadership. The shires are further divided into parishes, which are the smallest administrative units in the country.