Rutland

Rutland is the smallest county in England. It is bordered by Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. The county town is Oakham.

Rutland was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a small independent county covering only 73 square miles. In 1199 it became part of the Earldom of Leicester. Rutland was absorbed into larger counties several times over the centuries, but regained its status as an independent county in 1897

Rutland is mostly rural, with a population of just over 38,000. Agriculture and farming have always been important to the economy, but in recent years tourism has become increasingly vital.

Rutland Water, one of England’s largest man-made reservoirs, is a popular recreation spot, and Rutland is also home to numerous country estates and stately homes.