The English flag, bearing a St. George's cross.
England is the ruling country that is part of what was the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland along with Scotland, Wales. Later most of Ireland became independent (starting in 1916 and formally in 1922) or Northern Ireland on its eastern side remaining in the United Kingdom.
It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the northwest along with the Irish Sea, the Celtic Sea to the southwest, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental Europe. Most of England comprises the central and southern part of the island of Great Britain in the North Atlantic. The country also includes over 100 smaller islands such as the Isles of Scilly and the Isle of Wight.
Downton Abbey is located in the fictional Yorkshire village of Downton. The history and culture of England in the early 20th century serve as the rich backdrop of the series.
