Why do some parts of england have very strong local identities while others lack it entirely?

Proximity to London. York, Liverpool, Aberystwyth, Carnarvon, and Plymouth are all just over 200 miles away from the traditional seat of power and influence. There’s also quite a few hills between them and London whereas things are moderately flat by comparison in the Home Counties. These places have their own identity because they’ve been mostly forgotten about and left to their own devices. There’s plenty of enclaves that have been terraformed by London commuters in and around these parts but these towns and cities have just been left to get on with it, and that brings a sense of pride, belonging, and identity. The art scene, the music scene, education, sports, infrastructure: it’s all so underfunded compared to places close to London that people take it upon themselves to better their area because no one else will. It’s nice to hear about a local lad done good from your area because you know how hard it is to get that opportunity, let alone run with it.