Bristol is a city, ceremonial county, and unitary authority in England. It is located on the River Avon and is bordered by the ceremonial counties of Gloucestershire to the north and Somerset to the south. Bristol is both a city and a county, since King Edward III granted it a county charter in 1373. Prior to 1974, Bristol was located within the historic county of Gloucestershire. However, in 1974, the local government structure of the UK underwent significant changes, and Bristol became a county in its own right. Bristol is its own separate county, with its own local government and administrative functions. The city is divided into 35 wards, each with its own local councilor who represents the interests of their constituents. The city also has a mayor, who is responsible for the overall governance of the city. While Bristol is not located within a traditional county, it is still considered to be a part of the wider South West region of England. The South West includes several other counties, including Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset, and Wiltshire.