Rutland, England's smallest historic county, was once mockingly called the "Shire of the Ruttle." It's still fiercely proud of its shire status.
The word "Shire" carries a peculiar duality. In one breath, it evokes rolling green hills, hobbit holes, and a simple life of second breakfasts. In the next, it suggests boardrooms, blockbuster drugs, and billion-dollar mergers. This report uncovers the fascinating, unexpected journey of a simple administrative district. England's smallest historic county
A is a traditional term for a division of land, equivalent to a county. The word comes from Old English scir , meaning "office" or "charge." it evokes rolling green hills