In the UK, how can I found out if a place is a village or a town?

Question

I'm having a debate with someone and I think where I live is a town but they are saying it is a village. How do I found out who is right?

Answer 1

The laws on this is slightly different for Scotland, so I'll assume you're in either England or Wales:

It's not just about size: The village of Rhosllanerchrugog (don't worry, just call it Rhos!) has four times as many people as the town of Caerwys.  And anyone can build a clock-tower - many country estates, just for the staff to get to work on time!

A town has to have a charter.  Traditionally this was granted by the king or queen of the time.  The main benefit of a charter was the right to hold a regular market or fair.  Thus most old towns ar referred to as "Market Towns".  Nowadays, any large village can apply to the government to form a Town Council.

If you take a look at BritishTowns.net, you'll be able to check on the map whether you're in a town or a village.

Answer 2

a village always has a parish council , thats a dead cert,

Answer 3

If there is a clock tower in the area, then it is a town.

Here is a list of towns in England.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tow...

Answer 4

The UK is England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland altogether,

What part of the UK?

Answer 5

a village does not have a market place or a mayor

Answer 6

I always think of towns as having either a market and or a range of shops, something villages dont have.

Answer 7

give us the name of the place, and we'll find out for you.

Without that info, it's sort of difficult.

If it helps, I'll say I agree with you. Use that in your argument.