The Association of British Counties (ABC), formed in 1989, is a society dedicated to promoting awareness of the continuing importance of the 86 historic (or traditional) counties of Great Britain. ABC believes that the historic counties are distinct from current local government units known as counties, and that they are an important part of our culture, geography and heritage. It seeks to re-establish the use of the Counties as the standard popular geographical reference frame.
From the guide to the Association of British Counties, 1989-c 2004, (Hull History Centre (Hull University Archives))