Why are the counties in the south of england known as the 'home counties?

Question

Why are the counties in the south of england known as the 'home counties?

Answer 1

"The term originated in the late nineteenth century, and is probably derived from the Home Circuit of the itinerant Assize Court." -- Wikipedia (see link)

Answer 2

I think it has something to do with them being the counties on the coast, as they were the 'Home Front' during WWII (being the nearest to France/Germany they were the counties waiting it out for invasion from the n***s). I could be wrong though...

Answer 3

Home counties are only the ones attatched to and surround london. they are called "home" counties probably because of some kind of justice thingy from days of yore. no-one is really sure.