At a time when regionalism is assuming new importance in both Britain and the European Union, this book brings together historians and geographers to offer a regional perspective on Britain that breaks away from the traditional parochialism of local history while maintaining a focus on those particular and contrasting experiences which contribute to the national picture. The book concentrates on regions within England and Wales while offering a wider perspective in an instructive contrast between the Basque Provinces of Spain and the muted provincialism of England. Themes include the environment and human society, industry and identity, regional financial networks, religious traditions, patterns of female employment and the relationship between the county and the region. This collection of essays has been written in honor of John D. Marshall, one of the leading practitioners and advocates of regional history in Britain.