West Riding of Yorkshire facts for kids

The West Riding of Yorkshire was a very important part of Yorkshire, England. Yorkshire used to be divided into three main areas: the East Riding, the North Riding, and the West Riding. These areas were like big sections of the county.

The West Riding also included the City of York for some special purposes, like when a Lord Lieutenant was in charge. Because of this, its full name was sometimes West Riding of the County of York and the County of the City of York. This old system of dividing Yorkshire changed in 1974.

What Was the West Riding of Yorkshire?

The West Riding of Yorkshire was one of the three main "ridings" or parts of the historic county of Yorkshire. Think of it like a large region within a bigger area. It was a very important area for many years, helping to manage local life and government.

Where Was the West Riding Located?

The West Riding covered the western part of Yorkshire. This area included many important towns and cities that are now in places like West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, and parts of North Yorkshire. It was a large and busy area, with both countryside and industrial towns.

Why Did the West Riding Change?

In 1974, the way local government was organized in England changed a lot. New counties were created, and old divisions like the West Riding were officially stopped. This meant that the West Riding of Yorkshire, as a separate administrative area, no longer existed. Its land became part of the new counties you see on maps today.

Images for kids

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  Wapentakes were old local areas within the West Riding.

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  A typical old signpost from the West Riding area.

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  A special symbol, or coat of arms, for the West Riding.