Probably should have done this a while ago, but there you go.

I'm Francis a UK based Lab/Collie cross.

Completely pants at introductions, so ask questions, go on, be nosey!

Welcome, have a seat and stay a while.

Guess my question is: what is a shire?  seems that a lor of cities in the UK end in -shire and I'm curious.

Hi, thanks!

So, anything ending in -shire is a county.  All English counties are named for their historical county town, so West YORKshire, CAMBRIDGEshire, OXFORDshire etc.  Strictly speaking a Shire isn't a city, the nearest US equivalent is a state (or in Canada a province), but the Counties don't have as much indepence to act.

West Yorkshire is the region where I am.  Af course not all counties are Shires, Cornwall, Somerset etc.

That actually makes sense.  Thanks for clarifying. :D

You're very welcome.  England is a bit bonkers, but sometimes our traditions make sense!

Everybody has odd traditions.  In this case it isn't odd so much as simply different. 

Very true, we have some proper odd traditions though.

I hope you enjoy your stay! ^^