Northumbria (modern)
Northumbria is a loosely defined area of north-eastern England, named after the Anglian kingdom of Northumbria (651–954 AD). However, the boundaries of modern Northumbria are almost always considered to be smaller than the ancient kingdom, whose domains spanned much of modern northern England and southern Scotland, but larger than the county Northumberland. It may be taken as a synonym for North East England, which covers the counties Durham, Northumberland and an area of Yorkshire. It may also simply refer to the counties Durham and Northumberland alone, with broader definitions sometimes including an area of Yorkshire even larger than that within the North East current statistical region. Cumberland may also be included.
Identity
The Anglian kingdom of Northumbria was established in the 7th century, and at its territorial peak covered most of south-east Scotland and an area similar to the present six northernmost English counties: Northumberland, County Durham, Cumberland, Westmorland, Lancashire and Yorkshire. The traditional counties Northumberland and Durham have had a distinct political identity from the rest of modern-day England since at least the 9th century during the Viking Age. Whilst the Danes succeeded in establishing control in the southern part of the kingdom of Northumbria (effectively modern-day Yorkshire, Lancashire and Westmorland), they were considerably less successful in doing so to the north of the River Tees.
Use of name
The name "Northumbria" or the denomination "Northumbrian" is used in the names of several companies and institutions:
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust covers Northumberland.
- Northumbria Police cover Northumberland and north-eastern County Durham.
- Northumbria University is a public research university in Newcastle upon Tyne.
- Northumbrian Water is a water company serving County Durham (except Hartlepool), Northumberland and part of the North Riding of Yorkshire around the River Tees.
Dan Jackson's book The Northumbrians: North-East England and Its People: A New History (2019) was focused on the history of mainly County Durham and Northumberland.
