England’s smallest county is losing its independence – and locals are furious

England’s smallest county is losing its independence – and locals are furious Brooke Davies | Senior News reporter Published July 22, 2026 4:06pm Updated July 22, 2026 4:06pm The governance of Uppingham, Rutland, is likely to change under the proposals (Credits: Getty Images) It is mentioned in the Domesday book of 1086 as Roteland. And for the last 1,000 years, little has changed there, including its name: Rutland. But now, Rutland County Council is set to be abolished under sweeping local government reforms, ending the county’s ability to govern itself and reigniting fears that its cherished identity could be gradually swallowed up by larger neighbours. Home to the vast expanse of Rutland Water, the market towns of Oakham and Uppingham, and a fiercely proud local population, its county m