Controversial new map shows where North of England ‘really’ starts

A map showing a controversial divide of the North and South of the country has gone viral, outraging tweeters and splitting the internet.

People have always argued over where the North of the country ends and the South begins — it’s a touchy subject, we can all agree on that at least! A post has gone viral on Twitter, showing the map of Britain with two edited red lines across it to divide the North, Midlands and South of the country — but they’re not where you’d think.

The first red line which divides the North and Midlands cuts right through Leeds, leaving many ‘proud to be Northern’ industrial cities and towns — including Manchester, Liverpool, and Sheffield — placed south of the line. People have taken to the internet to express their outrage and where they think the lines should really be.

In the original tweet Michelle Bayly wrote: “Can we all agree that North is Leeds and above..? It’s really annoying seeing The North such and such company or something artsy North and for it to be in Birmingham etc. 

“There’s also a middle…the midlands. Be the midlands. North of London doesn’t mean North.”

With a strong Northern identity firmly ingrained in their culture, this didn’t sit too well with those from the North now being told they live in the Midlands. It also disgruntled people in the Midlands, who belong neither to the North nor the South and are also very proud of their position.

@jordanbhx said: “As someone from Birmingham, I can assure you that there is nothing branded as ‘North’ here, we don’t even get an ‘x Midlands’, and we very much want to be Midlands but both northerners and southerners tend to deny the Midlands exists so this map is welcome.” 

@craigthulhu added: “Lol imagine complaining that Londoners don’t know where the north is and then putting out a map that puts Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield in the midlands, incredible stuff.” @Laurensamuels88 also wrote: “Born and bred Midlander here and I slightly agree, but think the North starts a little lower to include Liverpool, Manchester etc. The Midlands is more wide I’d say :)”

@SarahJRandom added: “I’d say Nottingham and above is north, but I’d agree to this compromise.” @AllElseIsGooky wrote: “There’s geographical North & political North. The line from Hull to Bristol defines the latter. Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield are definitely in both.”

@JustAstrs commented: “No!?? Manchester and Liverpool and Blackpool and Sheffield too … are NOT the sodding Midlands. Just ask the people from there… they’re Northerners … from the north. Not the midlands or south or Scotland.”

Michelle then added on her post: “After deep thought and consultation I have decided to scrap my map of North, Middle and South and instead go with the popular opinion that if you have gravy on chips or scraps and mushy peas with fish and chips then you are Northern and if not then not (no matter the geography).”

I think one thing we call all agree on up North is that gravy most definitely belongs on chips, with the two being an excellent food combination if ever there was one.