Middlesex: A Chronicle of the Middle Saxons
An exploration of England's historic county, tracing its origins, administrative evolution, geographical features, and cultural significance.
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A Historic County's Journey
Defining Middlesex
Middlesex, one of England's 39 historic counties, was situated in the southeast of the country. Its territory was largely defined by the rivers Thames to the south, Lea to the east, and Colne to the west, with a ridge of hills forming its northern boundary. It was historically the second smallest county in England by area.
Administrative Evolution
Established possibly in the early tenth century, Middlesex's administrative landscape was complex. The City of London, historically part of the county, became a self-governing county corporate in the twelfth century. The county's administrative structure evolved through hundreds, parish vestries, quarter sessions, and eventually county councils, culminating in its abolition as an administrative entity in 1965.
The Shadow of London
The relentless expansion of London significantly impacted Middlesex. In 1889, a substantial portion of its territory, including a third of its population, was incorporated into the newly formed County of London. Further urbanisation and administrative reforms in 1965 led to almost all of Middlesex becoming part of Greater London, with smaller areas transferred to Hertfordshire and Surrey.
Saxon Roots and Naming
The Middle Saxons
The county's name, derived from Old English 'middel' and 'Seaxe' (Saxons), signifies the territory of the Middle Saxons. This region was part of the Kingdom of the East Saxons, with its boundaries likely fluctuating over time. The name reflects its origins as a distinct Saxon settlement area.
Heraldic Echoes
The 'seax', a short notched sword, is a significant symbol linked to the Saxons. It appears in the heraldry of both Middlesex and Essex, reflecting their shared Anglo-Saxon heritage. The Middlesex County Council's coat of arms, granted in 1910, featured three seaxes topped with a Saxon crown, a design rooted in ancient traditions.
Administrative Framework
Early Administration
Middlesex's early governance was characterized by its six hundreds: Edmonton, Elthorne, Gore, Hounslow (Isleworth), Ossulstone, and Spelthorne. The City of London's self-governance and the distinct administrative status of the Tower Division (Tower Hamlets) added complexity. Local administration relied on parish vestries and justices of the peace.
County Councils and London
The Local Government Act of 1888 established county councils, creating the administrative county of Middlesex. However, the concurrent creation of the County of London severed a significant portion of Middlesex's territory. The subsequent London Government Act of 1963 abolished Middlesex entirely, merging most of its area into Greater London.
Judicial and Civic Roles
The county assizes were held at the Old Bailey in the City of London. The High Sheriff of Middlesex was historically chosen by the City of London Corporation. The Middlesex Guildhall in Westminster served as the meeting place for the Middlesex County Council before its area was incorporated into the County of London.
Landscape and Boundaries
Riverine Borders
Middlesex's geography was shaped by significant waterways. The River Thames formed its southern boundary, while the River Lea marked the eastern edge, and the River Colne defined the western extent. These natural features played a crucial role in delineating the county's historical territory.
Ancient Forests and Hills
Historically, much of Middlesex was covered by the Forest of Middlesex, indicating a significant wooded landscape in 1086. The county's northern boundary was characterized by a ridge of hills, with a notable ancient hedge marking parts of this border. The highest point in the county is recorded near Bushey Heath.
Geological Context
Situated within the London Basin, Middlesex's terrain was predominantly low-lying. The geology consisted mainly of clay in the northern areas and alluvium on gravel in the south. The Thames's meanders influenced the county's southern boundary, with areas like Teddington showing the river flowing northwestward.
Economic Development
Agricultural Foundations
From early times, Middlesex's economy was closely tied to London, primarily serving as an agricultural supplier. It provided crops, livestock, and building materials to the capital. The county's proximity to London meant its agricultural output was vital for the city's sustenance.
Urbanisation and Industry
By the 18th century, Middlesex's inner parishes began transforming into suburbs of London, experiencing increasing urbanisation. The development of radial railway lines from 1839 onwards accelerated this trend, facilitating large-scale house building and attracting new industries, particularly after World War I in areas like Hayes and Park Royal.
Tourism and Leisure
Tourism began to develop in the late 16th century, with inns and tea gardens attracting day-trippers from London. Historic sites like Hampton Court Palace became popular attractions. The county's transformation from agricultural land to a suburban sprawl was noted by writers like Tobias Smollett and William Cobbett, reflecting the profound changes driven by London's growth.
The Postal County Legacy
Defining Postal Boundaries
Middlesex served as a former postal county, a designation used until 1996 to aid in addressing mail. The boundaries of this postal county did not perfectly align with the administrative or historic county lines due to the reach of the London postal district, which extended into Middlesex.
Post Towns and Areas
Key post towns within the former Middlesex postal county included Enfield, Harrow, Uxbridge, and Hounslow. These areas, along with others in the HA, UB, and parts of the EN and TW postcode areas, constituted the postal county. The retention of Middlesex as a postal designation after 1965 was largely due to the cost of amending addresses.
Culture and Community
Flag and Heraldry
The Middlesex Flag, a banner of the former Middlesex County Council arms, features three seaxes and a Saxon crown, symbolizing the county's Anglo-Saxon heritage. These heraldic elements have historical roots dating back to the attributed arms of the Kingdom of Essex.
Societies and Literature
Organizations like the London and Middlesex Archaeological Society (LAMAS) and various family history societies continue to foster interest in the county's history. Literary figures like John Betjeman captured the essence of Middlesex's suburban transformation in his poetry, lamenting its absorption by London.
County Symbols
The wood anemone was chosen as the county flower of Middlesex in a 2002 campaign, reflecting its historical prevalence in the county's woodlands. Middlesex Day, celebrated on May 16th, commemorates the bravery of the 57th (West Middlesex) Regiment at the Battle of Albuera in 1811.
Sporting Heritage
Rugby and Football
Middlesex Rugby Football Union governs the sport within the county, supporting numerous clubs and competitions. Similarly, the Middlesex County Football Association oversees football, organizing prestigious events like the Middlesex Senior Cup, reflecting a vibrant local sporting scene.
Cricket Legacy
Middlesex County Cricket Club, founded in 1864, boasts a rich history in first-class cricket, having won multiple County Championship titles. The club's home ground, Lord's Cricket Ground, is an iconic venue in the sport. The Middlesex Cricket Board supports recreational cricket across the county.
Diverse Athletic Pursuits
Beyond major sports, Middlesex has a strong presence in various athletic activities. Organizations govern bowling, swimming, athletics, golf, tennis, badminton, squash, archery, and rifle shooting, demonstrating a broad commitment to sports participation and development within the county.
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References
References
- Historic boundaries excluding the City of London, which is code LND.
- Saint, A., Politics and the people of London: the London County Council (1889â1965) (1989)
- Royston Lambert, Central and Local Relations in Mid-Victorian England: The Local Government Act Office, 1858â71, Victorian Studies, Vol. 6, No. 2. (Dec. 1962), pp. 121â150.
- Frederic Youngs, Guide to the Local Administrative Units of England, Vol.I : Southern England, London, 1979
- Office of Public Sector Information â The Heathrow Airport (County and London Borough Boundaries) Order 1993. Retrieved 23 February 2008.
- Natural England â London Basin Natural Area. Retrieved 23 February 2008.
- The Mountains of England and Wales â Historic County Tops. Retrieved 20 February 2008.
- S.G. Mendyk, Speculum Britanniae: regional study, antiquarianism, and science in Britain to 1700, 1989.
- Magna Britannia et Hibernia Antiqua et Nova Thomas Cox, E. Nutt (publisher) (1720) Vol iii. p.1
- HMSO, Names of Street and Places in the London Postal area, (1930). Retrieved 20 February 2008.
- Flag Institute Entry for Middlesex
- Doherty, F., The Anglo Saxon Broken Back Seax. Retrieved 20 February 2008.
- Online Etymology Dictionary â Saxon. Retrieved 20 February 2008.
- Civic Heraldry of England and Wales â Middlesex (obsolete). Retrieved 20 February 2008
- C W Scott-Giles, Royal and Kindred Emblems, Civic Heraldry of England and Wales, 2nd edition, London, 1953, p.11
- Civic Heraldry of England and Wales â Greater London Council. Retrieved 20 February 2008.
- Civic Heraldry of England and Wales â Spelthorne Borough Council. Retrieved 20 February 2008
- Civic Heraldry of England and Wales â Greater London. Retrieved 20 February 2008.
- Randall J., Early Day Motion 13 May 2003. Retrieved on 12 June 2019
- London, Westminster and Middlesex Family History Society [1] Retrieved 12 June 2019.
- West Middlesex Family History Society [2] Retrieved 12 June 2019.
- Middlesex County Amateur Swimming Association [3] Retrieved 12 June 2019.
- Middlesex County AA [4] Retrieved 12 June 2019.
- Middlesex Golf [5] Retrieved 13 June 2019.
- Middlesex Tennis About us Retrieved 12 June 2019.
- Middlesex Tennis County Championships Retrieved 12 June 2019.
- Middlesex County Badminton Association [6] Retrieved 12 June 2019.
- Middlesex Squash and Racketball Association MSRA Mission Statement Retrieved 12 June 2019.
- Middlesex County Archery Association [7] Retrieved 13 June 2019.
- Middlesex Small-Bore Rifle Association [8] Retrieved 13 June 2019.
- Middlesex County Chess Association [9] Retrieved 13 June 2019.
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